You know how most people manage to map out their memories around major life events (such as a wedding, a birth, meeting their partner, buying a new house, etc.)? Well, as a beauty editor whose life revolves around testing and trialling every skincare launch
that comes my way, I find it far easier to remember things by using skincare launches as my cues. Take, for example, last week when my boyfriend asked me what year we moved out of our last flat. While he was convinced we made our move in late 2017, I know for a fact it must have been late 2018, as I specifically remember a bottle of Drunk Elephant serum sitting on my skincare shelf in the
bathroom, and Drunk Elephant wasn’t a thing here in the UK in 2017. And while this skill seems totally useless, it has its benefits—mainly when it comes to predicting the future. And no, I’m not going mystic on you. In essence, having the ability to remember exactly what was happening in the world when certain skincare brands rose to fame means I’ve actually become quite good at predicting what brands are next just by looking at the world around me. At present, we're
in a bit of a limbo—both in life and our skincare routines. It would appear there is space for a new brand du jour. But if you ask me, this vacancy won’t be around for much longer and certainly not if Allies of Skin has anything to say about it. Chances are, if you like to keep up to date with what’s hot in the world of skincare, you are already familiar with Allies of Skin. It’s been on the radar of beauty buffs for the last few years, and its highly efficacious yet basic
skincare products often pop up in editor-approved lists and Instagram round-ups. However, in recent months, I’ve spotted that more and more people have something to say about the wonder of Allies of Skin's products—so much so, in fact, that I’m expecting it to gain official cult status in 2021. So what do you need to know? Well, launching back in 2016, Allies of Skin has always taken a zero-fuss
approach to skincare, championing highly effective, clinically proven actives. Essentially, while other skincare brands were opting for single-ingredient, more affordable products (e.g., The Ordinary), Allies of Skin was busy combining ingredients to produce really great skincare products that do it all. While this approach definitely comes at a cost (Allies of Skin sits in the high-end category when it
comes to its pricing), it’s safe to say that 2020 has a lot of us rethinking our skincare routines. While this time last year we were all about buying up affordable serums and layering them in order to create the ultimate bespoke regimen, nowadays, our priorities are changing. We want products that just do what they say they’ll do. We want skincare we can slap on without thinking too much about it. The fewer products we have, the better. (On top of everything, we’re trying to save
the planet, too, don’t you know.) And yes, Allies of Skin ticks all of those boxes. While it’s expensive, when it comes to our beauty routines, many of us are taking a closer look at what we’re spending our money on right now. I, for example, have recently pulled out three products (each costing around £30 each) that I simply don’t get the promised results with. Instead, I’m vowing to cut back on the amount I’m using and invest in multi-hyphenate products that require no extensive
planning or thought. That's where Allies of Skin is a clear winner for me. From personal experience, I can safely say that Allies of Skin is at the forefront of the skincare game right now. The products are simple and fuss-free and yield serious results. Each individual product is carefully formulated to deliver maximum impact, meaning you don't have to layer serum after serum. So if you’re looking to invest and curate a skincare routine that packs a punch, I highly
recommend turning your eye to Allies of Skin. Keep scrolling to shop the products that are garnering some serious attention right now.
Have you heard of Allies of Skin (AOS)? Well if this you’re first time hearing about them, Allies of Skin is a Certified Cruelty-Free, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Hypoallergenic skincare line. They’re objective is to provide multi-tasking products. They're product formulations are based on scientific findings with a goal to help repair, regenerate, and reset the skin so it can perform at its best. I had the opportunity to test steps 1-4 (cleanser, mist, vitamin c, and moisturizer), so I thought I would put together a collective review on those items along with an overall brand review.
If you’re not sure where to start, Allies of Skin has a skin recommendation quiz the homepage of their website. The quiz factors in the specifics of your skin, concerns and needs for your skin. I took the regimen recommendation quiz and the items that are featured in this post were recommended for my skin for AM usage. I love that their products are labeled in steps. It makes it easier to determine in which order products should be applied.
PLEASE READ DISCLAIMER: THIS BLOG POST FEATURES PRODUCTS THAT HAVE BEEN GIFTED. I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY MONETARY COMPENSATION TO WRITE THIS BLOG POST OR WAS ASKED TO PRODUCE THIS CONTENT. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE POST IS SOLELY BASED ON MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE USING THE PRODUCTS
Step 1: Cleanser- Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser
Price: $38.00 for 3.4 oz
The Allies of Skin Cleanser is a non-foaming cleanser that can be used on dry skin to help break down makeup and oils or wet skin as a conventional cleanser. The Molecular Silk cleanser has a pH of 5.5 and combines AHA and amino acids. These key ingredients include Green Tea, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Lactic Acid.
This face wash is aimed for all skin types and those with skin concerns that relate to the following: Dryness and Dehydration, Oiliness, Hypersensitive Skin, Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Polyacrylate-1 Crosspolymer, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (Organic), Propanediol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Organic), Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactic Acid (L), Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil (Organic), 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Silk Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Silk, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (L), Lecithin, Astaxanthin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Caprylyl Glycol, O-cymen-5-OL, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenethyl Alcohol
In my honest opinion, I absolutely love this cleanser. I’ve been using it for the past several months and I love the texture, performance and the mild scent. I’ve used this cleanser as a morning cleanser and I found it to be non-stripping and to be gentle. The cleanser is in a squeeze tube, which tends to be my favorite for disbursement.
The texture of the cleanser is almost like a gel. As I look at the ingredients I was actually surprised to see that it contains Lactic Acid and Vitamin C. This just makes me like the cleanser even more.
I notice that the cleanser has a slightly sweet scent to it. I was informed that this is likely due to the Moringa Seed Oil. I found the cleanser to remove my makeup well. I would definitely purchase this!
Step 2: Molecular Saviour™ Probiotics Repair Mist
Price: $59 for 2.02 oz
Product Details: Molecular Saviour Probiotics Repair Mist from Allies of Skin refreshes and restores your skin. Enriched with probiotics, antioxidants and botanical oils, the mist combats dry, stressed, inflamed and tired skin leaving a glowing complexion.
Key Ingredient(s): Peptides, Niacinamide, Amino Acids, Antioxidants, Aloe Vera, Herbal Extracts, Probiotics
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Tributyl Citrate, Propanediol, Lactobacillus Ferment, Gluconolactone, Deuterium Oxide, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Silk Amino Acids, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Callus Culture Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Glycerin, Colloidal Silver, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Ergothioneine (L), Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Juniperus Communis (Juniper Berry) Fruit Oil, Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Glutamylamidoethyl Imidazole, Steareth-20, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide.
This mist is my second favorite from which I’ve tried. It’s described as a toner mist. In my opinion, it’s more like a toner and essence all in one! I love using this when my skin is in need of extra TLC or if I’m in a rush and I want to stream line my routine. The fact that this mist contains key ingredients like Niacinamide, this allows me to skip the step of adding in a separate serum or additional product dedicated to Niacinamide. This mist is great for those like myself that suffer from dehydrated skin.
The overall mist sprays nicely. I typically spritz my face with this about 3-4 times to cover my entire face. Afterwards my skin has a light dew. After it dries down my skin looks and feels hydrated. This is not a typical face mist this formula is far more complex. My only qualm is the price. It is a little pricey but being that it’s a 2 in 1 product for me and I love the results, I would purchase this in the future.
Step 3: 35% vitamin C Collagen Rebuilding Serum
Price: $118.00 for 1oz
25% Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid: ispure form of l-ascorbic acid in ethylated form that is extremely stable. It penetrates deep into the dermis/skin to provide superior antioxidant protection, stimulate collagen production, rebuild skin barrier and visibly brighten skin.
10% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate: stable oil soluble form of vitamin C that penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production, brighten dark spots and provide free radical protection
Ingredients: Ethoxydiglycol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Glutathione (L), Superoxide Dismutase, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.
The Vitamin C by Allies of Skin has to be one of their most talked about product. It’s often sold out on many online websites on a daily basis. Believe me there’s good reason for that. This Vitamin C formula has one of the highest strengths of vitamin C that I’ve used. The formula of this vitamin C, Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid, is known for being stable and penetrate the skins better.
The first thing I noticed upon inspection of the bottle is that the vitamin C is housed in a very dark glass bottle container with a dropper applicator. The container in so dark you’re unable to see inside. Something to keep in mind is Vitamin C is extremely sensitive to air and light and will break down over time if routinely exposed to them. I do wish this formula was housed in an airless pump as the product is exposed to air every time it is used with the applicator.
The texture of the product is an oil. I have normal to oily skin and I do not use oils in my morning skincare routine. I tried testing out this serum for the past several months and I like the results, but I do not like that the texture is an oil based one.
With the usage of this for the almost 4 months now, my preferred choice is to pair with a Hyaluronic Acid or the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra serum due to the oil texture. When it comes to dosage, I haven’t been able to get down the right amount to use. Therefore, I would typically use 3-4 drops of the serum at a time. I do think this serum has great benefits when it comes to achieving a brighter appearance and helping to fade dark spots.
Being that this is an oil based texture, I believe that it’ll be too heavy for me to use during the day. Moving forward I plan to continue using it in my morning routine during the colder months when my skin can absorb the oil based texture better.
Step 4: Peptides & Antioxidants Firming Daily Treatment
Price: $109 for 1.69 oz
The treatment is a daily leave-on that includes 7 brightening ingredients and 9 antioxidant ingredients. The treatment aims to tighten the skin, hydrate, brighten and plump the skin. The treatment is recommended for all skin types. This can be layered with the Vitamin C serum or used on its own.
The tube formula has a pump applicator and the product itself is light-weight. I think this is the type of light texture that would be compatible with all skin textures. Those that have dry skin could use this along with an oil. Skin textures similar to mine that are on the oily side would likely enjoy using this on its own.
A peek at the first six ingredients listed:
Water- hydrating
Glycerin- hydrating
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride- replenish the surface of the skin and resist moisture loss
Isononyl Isononanoate- softening agent. It can also occur naturally in cocoa oil and lavender oil.
Caffeine- may have soothing and antioxidant properties
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate- an emollient that makes skin soft and smooth
This was a product that I typically incorporated into my morning routine, due to the light weight texture. I typically use this a moisturizer, but it’s nice to know that it really is a treatment. Essentially it’s like applying a day mask to your face that is not washed off! Knowing that it makes me understanding the pricing of the treatment.
It’s a product that I haven’t noticed a drastic results with. It could be that I haven’t been consist enough or that it may be working for my skin as more of a preventative level. Either way I plan to continuing this!
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caffeine, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Lactobacillus Ferment, Cetearyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Marrubium (Horehound) Vulgare Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-40, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Verbascum Thapsus Flower, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Teprenone, Phospholipids, Hyaluronic Acid, Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate (L), Sphingolipids, Astaxanthin, Bisabolol (L-alpha), Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Honey (Mel), Dimethyl Isosorbide, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol (D-alpha), Glutathione (L), Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrodemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Tetrahydrobisdemethoxydiferuloylmethane, Ergothioneine (L), Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Sorbitan Olivate, Benzimidazole Diamond Amidoethyl Urea Carbamoyl Propyl Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Mica, Dextran, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ethylhexylglycerin, Isohexadecane, Maltodextrin, Polysorbate 80, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Glycolate, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, O-cymen-5-OL.
Overall Brand Review:
The first thing I noticed about the brand was their packaging. Yes, it all looks so sleek, but it goes beyond that. The majority of their products are housed in dark or oblaque containers. This technique makes it hard for outside light to penetrate products and keeping them lasting longer. The second thing I noticed was the price point. These products are just above the price point of what I’m used to spending. Their products range from $38-$120.
Although the prices are a bit higher, I do think you get what you pay for in regards to ingredients, performance and longevity of the products.
I’ve really enjoyed so many of the products that I’ve tried from the brand. As I previously mentioned, this is not your run of the mill skincare line. The products are a bit higher than what I’m used to, but I do find them in aligned with how the products perform. Moving forward, I would love to see an eye cream and SPF from the line.
If you’re in the market to try out Allies of Skin, I would highly recommend the Derm Store site. I’ve often found them often selling AOS of skin for up 20%, which is a great savings cost.
Have you tried any of the products of AOS?
What is your typical price range for skincare products?
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